Toad Data Point vs. Toad Database Developer Tools

Toad Data Point is the clear tool of choice if the end-user is interested in reports that are relatively simple to build using SQL code and export to Excel. It is less useful if the analyst also needs to run statistical models on the data and visualize the data for those functions I usually use RStudio or Jupyter Notebook which incorporates those features much more seamlessly.

Incentivized

Well suited for development of stored procedures, packages, running scripts, and each and every DBA operation. Not very well suited for quick and simple querying. Toad seems to be overkill for simple things. Also, it's not very well suited for non-Oracle developers, who might be scared of by the endless amounts of options, tools and windows that Toad offers.

Incentivized

• Ease of use. It is a very easy product to use without any particular training.
• Multiple data source connection. It easily connects to multiple data sources which allows you to use different data sources to run reports.
• Seamless application. Once you set everything up-- whether it is an FTP or export of data-- you can set it and forget it!

Incentivized

• I appreciate the library feature that enables me to label and store previously created statements. These are saved off to a network share for future use.
• I also really like the describe function that lists all fields in a table. This helps as I build new queries.
• I wish I was better at using the tuning function. I have seen others use it and am very impressed with the graphical depiction of query costing.

Incentivized

• The program can error out when reconnecting to a database from a timeout but that is easily fixed by restarting the program.
• If you aren't familiar with database tools the UI can be overwhelming to some.

Incentivized

• The date/time settings in Toad are kind of difficult to figure out. I have to use an ALTER SESSION command to format the dates so I can actually query date/time fields.
• It seems to be updated too often. I get notifications very frequently about new versions being available.
• The export function is difficult to use.

Incentivized

It is the preferred tool for our organization.

Incentivized

I find Toad Data Point easy to use for both the novice and the experienced business analyst. If all you desire is to access data and create spreadsheets...this is a snap. Toad Data Point actually has cool data analysis features built into it. The newer workflow interface makes automating steps a snap

Incentivized

I give is an 8 because nothing is a 10 and there is always room for improvement. I believe the user who is not as technologically inclined would be better suited with an easier way to identify the options for setting the layout up for Toad's GUI. To some it is very cumbersome and confusing.

Incentivized

I give the overall support for Toad for Oracle a 10/10. This is because whenever there has been an issue with this software, our team has got an immediate response. The same can not be said for similar software. The most recent example of this is when we needed to renew our licenses. Some employees were unable to log in to code with the given license key. Support was able to resolve the issue quickly.

Incentivized

TOAD excels at connecting to divergent data sources, but appears geared more to DBAs than to regular query users. Microsoft's offerings excel against Microsoft SQL Server, but sometimes struggle with other data sources. However, SSMS and vs code excel at many developer productivity/workflow enhancements. vs code, in particular, has a lively extension system that allows it to be tailored for development/querying/model building/etc. That flexibility comes at a cost - the learning curve is steep for new users. The tradeoff between complexity and power may not be good for some environments/users/situations.

Incentivized

We didn't make a decision of choosing one and dropping the other. Our database guys have their own preference of tools. Since SQL Developer is a free-to-use tool and light weighted tool, we used it for education materials. For those who need advanced functions, database administrators for example, we bought an enterprise license of Toad and distributed them to developers. For enterprise level of analytics running Oracle based databases, I believe SQL Developer and Toad are two basics and safe choice to start with, unless one has very particular need (or preference).

Incentivized

• It is the least common denominator - not particularly optimized for our environment or workflows.
• Hangs or slowdowns add anywhere from 5% - 7% for projects utilizing large/complicated data setts. (This could be due to other IT-imposed constraints and not entirely due to TOAD.)
• Trying to perform some operations requires reading documentation and experimenting in order to figure out the TOAD-specific approaches and commands.
• It just works (when we understand it). Updates don't break things and things don't suddenly start behaving differently. Best of all, we don't mysteriously lose functionality.

Incentivized

• Quick and easy query development helps reduce man-hours in a project which converts to real dollars.
• Query analysis and tuning result in low database overhead and low latency, thus translating into real dollars because a system can thus handle more requests from customers.
• Ease of use makes it easy to deploy greenhorns in projects with minimal training, thus helping save money. Otherwise menial and simple jobs would have required experienced DBAs.

Incentivized